Month: August 2023

Then the LORD came down in the cloud and stood there with him and proclaimed his name, the LORD. And he passed in front of Moses, proclaiming, “The LORD, the LORD, the compassionate and gracious God.”
Exodus 34:5,6

What’s in a Name?

Daily Devotion – August 31, 2023

Devotion based on Exodus 34:5,6

See series: Devotions

Why did you receive the name you did? If you have children, why did you give them the names you gave them? Maybe they were family names that were passed down. Maybe they were chosen just because they sounded good. Or maybe it was because of what those names meant.

On one occasion, a man named Moses asked to see God’s glory. God said no. But that came out of love for Moses. Sinners cannot see God and live. If Moses saw all of God’s glory, he would be destroyed. Instead, God had a better idea. He would pass in front of Moses in a way in which Moses would only get a partial view of his glory. As he did, he proclaimed his name.

In the Bible, God gives himself many names. And those names are not just nice-sounding words. Each one of those names tells us something about God. And when the Bible talks about God’s name, it doesn’t just refer to those titles like “God” or “Lord,” but to the many things we know about who God is and what he has done.

As he passed in front of Moses that day, God described himself so beautifully: “The LORD, the LORD, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness, maintaining love to thousands, and forgiving wickedness, rebellion and sin.”

Moses was leading a nation of people who had repeatedly lived in wickedness, rebellion, and sin. He himself was a weak sinner, just like you and me. We have not kept God’s perfect laws. We justly deserve God’s wrath and punishment. How wonderful to hear God describe himself as compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, loving and forgiving!

God proved that patient love to us when he sent his Son, Jesus, to live and die for every rebellious sinner. In him, we see God’s loving face. When we know Jesus, we know God’s beautiful saving name.

Prayer:
Lord, I am a sinner. I need your grace. Thank you for revealing your name of forgiving love and compassion to me, so that I can live in hope and peace. Amen.

Daily Devotions are brought to you by WELS and www.WhatAboutJesus.com.

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License.

All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.
Romans 10:9

Jesus Is Lord

Daily Devotion – August 30, 2023

Devotion based on Romans 10:9

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We live in a time when people are taught to speak up boldly for what they believe in. Whether it agrees with others or not, as long as it doesn’t hurt anyone else, be proud of who you are and what you think. Find your voice and let it be heard.

In today’s Bible verse, a pastor named Paul encourages his readers to speak boldly about the things they believe. But did you notice what he wants them to confess? He tells them to declare, “Jesus is Lord.” Maybe that doesn’t strike you as strange. “Jesus” and “Lord” are two words that are often associated with each other.

But “Lord” is a term that often refers to authority. It’s a word for a master or owner—one who is in charge and in control. So, when we declare, “Jesus is Lord,” we are saying that we are not. Jesus is above us and has authority over us. Who boldly confesses that they are under someone else?

When the Lord we are talking about is Jesus, we do. The word “Lord” in the Bible doesn’t just describe someone who is in charge, someone who has all authority in heaven and earth. It describes a God who makes and keeps promises, who loves faithfully, dependably, and unconditionally. It describes a God who owns us because he was willing to give everything—even his own innocent life and priceless blood—to buy us out of slavery to sin and death. A God who showed the world a proof of purchase when he rose from the dead.

When, by God’s power and grace, we confess, “Jesus is Lord,” we aren’t just saying that Jesus is in charge of our lives. We are confessing our humble trust in him, who loves us completely. We are rejoicing in his perfect love that paid the price required to forgive us and make us his own. And we are celebrating his rule over all things in heaven and earth to give us an eternal home in his presence.

Prayer:
Jesus, you paid an amazing price to make me your own. Help me confess you as Lord all the days of my life. Amen.

Daily Devotions are brought to you by WELS and www.WhatAboutJesus.com.

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License.

All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” Jesus replied, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by flesh and blood, but by my Father in heaven.”
Matthew 16:16,17

Jesus’ Identity Revealed

Daily Devotion – August 29, 2023

Devotion based on Matthew 16:16,17

See series: Devotions

When they teach their children, parents have to decide whether it is better to tell them something or to let them figure it out for themselves. Many things we learn better by experience or through the process of discovery. A parent who tells their child the answer for their homework isn’t helping them learn. It is often better to guide and support children as they learn, rather than to just give them the answers.

God, our heavenly Father, wants us to know something very important. He wants us to really know who Jesus is. For 2,000 years, people have tried to figure out for themselves the answer to that question. When Jesus was on earth, many people thought he was a prophet who came back from the dead. Today, people may see Jesus as a great leader, a moral teacher, or a good example to follow. All of those are fine-sounding, complimentary descriptions, but aren’t the whole story.

The truth is, we can’t fully know who Jesus is on our own. The Bible says, “No one can say, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ except by the Holy Spirit.” In our verse for today, Simon Peter recognized Jesus as “the Messiah, the Son of the Living God.” Jesus called him blessed and said, “This was not revealed to you by flesh and blood, but by my Father in heaven.”

There was evidence of Jesus’ identity in his miracles and the way he loved people. There was evidence in the way he fulfilled every promise and prediction he made. But it was still impossible for human reason to fully grasp his identity. It was through the words Jesus spoke and the words recorded in the Bible—all of which pointed to Jesus—that God opened the minds and hearts of his disciples to know and believe who Jesus was.

Through the Bible, God wants you to know who Jesus really is. Hear it. Read it. Study it. And God will be working to open your mind and heart to know Jesus, your Savior.

Prayer:
Heavenly Father, through your Word, open my eyes to see my Savior ever more clearly. Amen.

Daily Devotions are brought to you by WELS and www.WhatAboutJesus.com.

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License.

All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

“What about you?” [Jesus] asked. “Who do you say I am?” Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah.”
Matthew 16:15,16

Who Do You Say He Is?

Daily Devotion – August 28, 2023

Devotion based on Matthew 16:15,16

See series: Devotions

About 25 years ago, I was a student at a secular university, and I took a course called “Philosophy of Religion.” The description of the course said, “The objectives of this course are to explore and reflect upon the human search for meaning, purpose, and value in life.”

I thought students would be free to hold onto and express their own convictions while studying what others believe. It felt more like an attack on any student—particularly a Christian—who might actually have convictions. If you thought you had the answers to life’s big questions, you weren’t being honest with yourself. Only if you were constantly searching were you truly enlightened.

I wish my experience was unique, but I know it isn’t. In college and high school classrooms around the world, young people are expected to leave behind their previous beliefs and worldviews and embark on a self-guided journey of discovery, in which anything goes, and the only absolute truth is that nothing is absolutely true. You have probably encountered the same way of thinking.

Jesus looked for conviction from his followers. He asked, “Who do you say I am?” It is the most important question we will ever answer in our lives. Only the right answer opens the door to eternal life. The wrong answer only leads to eternal death and destruction.

Simon Peter got it right. He said, “You are the Messiah.” The Messiah was the one chosen by God to rescue sinners from death and hell. The Messiah was the one whose birth had been foretold for ages. The Messiah was the one whose life, death, and resurrection were described in vivid detail hundreds of years before they happened. Jesus called Peter blessed for believing and confessing this truth about Jesus, a truth that God himself had revealed to Peter.

In the Bible, God reveals Jesus’ all-important identity to us too. There we see Jesus as the Messiah, the Savior God promised, the Savior we need. As we believe and confess this truth, we are truly blessed for this life and forever. There is no need to keep searching. We know who Jesus really is!

Prayer:
Jesus, lead me always to believe and confess that you are the Messiah. Amen.

Daily Devotions are brought to you by WELS and www.WhatAboutJesus.com.

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License.

All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

Live as free people, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as God’s slaves.
1 Peter 2:16

Freedom

Daily Devotion – August 27, 2023

Devotion based on 1 Peter 2:16

See series: Devotions

Jesus has set us free from sin, death, and the devil. God doesn’t count any of our sins against us. In him, all is forgiven, and we’re headed for heaven.

There is a temptation to take this freedom and run with it. We think, “It’s okay if I break God’s commandments because I’m forgiven anyway.” We’re tempted to treat freedom in Christ like it’s a get-out-of-jail-free card, a license to indulge ourselves. But that’s not freedom. That’s slavery.

Sin is a harsh master. It promises us freedom, then chokes us with guilt. Sin makes us want to serve only ourselves and to resent the people around us. They seem to demand our time, energy, and service, and we feel constrained to give it. There’s no freedom when sin rules our lives and drives us with guilt.

Jesus has saved us from this empty way of life. He has covered us in his righteousness. True freedom is the freedom to be the people God wants us to be. True freedom is serving others without a speck of guilt driving us. So, forgiven in Jesus, take a fresh look at the people around you—your family, your friends, the people you serve at work, home, and school. God put them there, and the same God who has taken away your sin is calling you to serve them. Forgiven in Christ and headed for heaven, you can do just that.

Today’s Bible verse says, “Live as free people,” and then, “Live as God’s slaves.” God isn’t talking out of both sides of his mouth. Jesus has freed you to be the person God wants you to be. You are free from guilt and serve God and others with a happy heart. Be who you are in Christ. Be the free person who willingly serves others with a glad heart because Jesus has set you free.

Prayer:
Dear Heavenly Father, help me to live like the forgiven sinner you have declared me to be through Jesus, your Son. Take away my guilt, and free me to serve others with a glad heart. Amen.

Daily Devotions are brought to you by WELS and www.WhatAboutJesus.com.

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License.

All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

Leaving that place, Jesus withdrew to the region of Tyre and Sidon. A Canaanite woman from that vicinity came to him, crying out, “Lord, Son of David, have mercy on me! My daughter is demon-possessed and suffering terribly.”
Matthew 15:21,22

Jesus Listens

Daily Devotion – August 26, 2023

Devotion based on Matthew 15:21,22

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The reputation of Jesus as a miracle worker had spread far and wide. The miracles were performed to point to the fact that he was the promised Messiah, God’s chosen one to rescue the world from the power of the devil and the curse of sin.

A Canaanite woman came to him. She was a descendant of the original inhabitants of the land of Palestine. Though not a Jew, she knew about Jesus and had faith in him as the “Lord, the Son of David.” She believed Jesus was the Messiah. At the same time, her faith was attacked by the devil in a direct and frightening way: her little daughter was inhabited by a demon. We’re not told what specific effect this had on the girl, but from other cases of demon possession recorded in the Gospels, we know that evil spirits brought great affliction to the bodies and minds of the people they possessed.

But the woman knew just where to go for help. She went to Jesus. She trusted that he had the power to help. Whether he chose to use his power in that way would be up to him. But she was certain he had the power.

Whatever problem you are facing, go to the same place the Canaanite woman went. Go to Jesus. You can be certain he has the power to help and will answer your prayer in whatever way is best. After all, he was willing to be nailed to a cross and suffer hell to rescue you from your sin. Surely, he knows how best to answer your plea for help.

Prayer: (Psalm 140:6)
O LORD, I say to you, “You are my God.” Hear, O LORD, my cry for mercy. Amen.

Daily Devotions are brought to you by WELS and www.WhatAboutJesus.com.

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License.

All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ.
Ephesians 2:13

Bridging the Chasm

Daily Devotion – August 25, 2023

Devotion based on Ephesians 2:13

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The Grand Canyon in Northern Arizona is one of the largest canyons in the world. At its widest point, the Grand Canyon is 18 miles across. Its depth is over 5,000 feet. There is a great chasm between each side.

Imagine a group of people standing on one side. They are burdened by sin, brokenness, and spiritual death. On the other side of the canyon stands Jesus and his holiness and perfection. But because of the great distance, the people cannot come to Jesus.

And so Jesus goes to them. He leaves behind his glory in heaven, and he humbles himself to become a human. He steps into the treacherous terrain of the chasm, a chasm caused by sin. Jesus faces the separation, the pain, and the darkness that sin has caused.

As Jesus walks through the chasm, he endures separation from his heavenly Father, becoming not just far away; but cut off from God. The weight of the world’s sins rests on Jesus’ shoulders as he hangs on the cross. The great chasm between us and God is filled with the sacrificial love and grace of Jesus. He gives his life on the cross, and the blood Jesus sheds becomes the bridge across the chasm.

That’s what the apostle Paul meant when he wrote the words of our Bible reading for today. He wrote, “But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ.” What great news! Through Jesus, we are at peace with God and members of his family.

When you are feeling all alone, remember God is with you. When you feel the guilt of your sins and are sure God must want nothing to do with you, remember what Jesus did to forgive those sins so that God wants everything to do with you.

Prayer:
Lord God, thank you for the gift of forgiveness bought by the blood of Jesus by which you bridged the chasm between you and me. Amen.

Daily Devotions are brought to you by WELS and www.WhatAboutJesus.com.

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License.

All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

Then Jesus said to her, “Woman, you have great faith! Your request is granted.” And her daughter was healed at that moment.
Matthew 15:28

Resilient Faith Rewarded

Daily Devotion – August 24, 2023

Devotion based on Matthew 15:28

See series: Devotions

Faith has many characteristics. Faith trusts; faith believes; faith hopes. The woman in this story demonstrated all those characteristics of faith, but the one that stands out is her resilience.

Resilience is the ability to bounce back, adapt, and recover from a difficult situation. This woman showed resilience by remaining persistent through Jesus’ silence. She maintained hope after Jesus said he had only come for the lost sheep of Israel. She adapted Jesus’ harsh statement calling her a dog into an analogy of God’s grace. She did all this knowing how terribly her daughter was suffering. It’s one of the greatest examples of resilient faith in the Bible.

In response to her resilient faith, Jesus said, “Woman, you have great faith!” This is high praise from Jesus. He only said that to one other person, also a gentile, a Roman centurion.

To be sure, Jesus said this as a tribute to the woman, but it was also a tribute to the greatness of what her faith received. Yes, her daughter was healed. But Jesus also granted the woman status as a daughter in God’s kingdom. It is also a tribute to God, who gives the great gift of faith.

Every Christian’s faith is a great faith because every Christian trusts in Jesus Christ. Christians go to Jesus with their needs as the Canaanite woman did. How Jesus answers our prayers—we leave to him, trusting in his love and wisdom. Regardless of how he answers—a resilient faith keeps trusting, hoping, and believing. A resilient faith also knows that on the Last Day, the trumpet will sound, and God will make good on every promise to his followers. On that day, God will reward every believer he has gifted with faith in their Savior, Jesus.

Prayer:
Lord God, give me a resilient faith no matter what my circumstances are that holds fast to Jesus, my Savior. Amen.

Daily Devotions are brought to you by WELS and www.WhatAboutJesus.com.

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License.

All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

[Jesus] answered, “I was sent only to the lost sheep of Israel.” The woman came and knelt before him. “Lord, help me!” she said. He replied, “It is not right to take the children’s bread and toss it to the dogs.” “Yes it is, Lord,” she said. “Even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their master’s table.”
Matthew 15:24-27

Persistent in Prayer

Daily Devotion – August 23, 2023

Devotion based on Matthew 15:24-27

See series: Devotions

There are sunflowers in my backyard. It’s fascinating to look at the faces of those sunflowers at different parts of the day and see them always facing the sun. They are unwavering in their devotion to the sun because its warm rays give them life.

Similarly, the Canaanite woman who came to Jesus for help showed relentless determination. Despite the initial silence and then receiving a response from Jesus that might have discouraged others, she did not falter. She knelt before him, pleading, “Lord, help me!” Her faith remained unwavering, like the sunflower’s unwavering pursuit of the sun.

Jesus’ reply, referring to the Canaanites as dogs, may appear harsh on the surface. However, the woman’s response revealed the depth of her faith. She willingly accepted her humble position, comparing herself to a dog waiting for the crumbs that fall from the master’s table.

Her response not only showcased her humility but also highlighted her unwavering belief in Jesus’ ability to provide the smallest measure of his grace. She reasoned that even the lowest place in God’s kingdom is better than any position outside of it.

This encounter reminds us that persistence in prayer is not about demanding or manipulating God but rather about aligning our hearts with his will and trusting in his timing. It is about remaining steadfast in our pursuit of his mercy, even when faced with challenges of apparent silence.

God will not be silent to us forever. Why? Because Jesus endured the silence of the Father on the cross in our place. Jesus cried out to God, and he received no answer. Jesus endured the damnation that our sins deserved. The Father treated Jesus worse than a dog.

Jesus endured this not so that his believers would be dogs in his kingdom but that they would be his coheirs, sons, and daughters of God. Keep your face turned toward Jesus, who gives true life.

Prayer:
Dear Jesus, help me to be persistent in prayer and faith even in the face of challenges and silence. Amen.

Daily Devotions are brought to you by WELS and www.WhatAboutJesus.com.

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License.

All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

A Canaanite woman from that vicinity came to him, crying out, “Lord, Son of David, have mercy on me! My daughter is demon-possessed and suffering terribly.” Jesus did not answer a word. So his disciples came to him and urged him, “Send her away, for she keeps crying out after us.”
Matthew 15:22,23

The Silence of Jesus

Daily Devotion – August 22, 2023

Devotion based on Matthew 15:22,23

See series: Devotions

Does this story make you a little uncomfortable? It seems so out of character for Jesus to act this way. Why is he giving the silent treatment to this poor woman?

Her life had become almost unbearable. Her dear daughter was demon-possessed, tormented, and afflicted from within. The woman had tried everything she could to help her little girl. And when she heard about Jesus, a man they said could drive out demons with just a word, she felt hope for the first time in forever.

She does everything right. She addresses Jesus as her Lord. She uses the term “Son of David,” for the promised Savior. She begs for his mercy, recognizing that she’s not entitled to anything. With great faith, she simply states her problem to Jesus. She doesn’t demand Jesus to fix the problem her way; she trusts that Jesus will do what is best.

But she gets no answer. The same Jesus, who called himself “gentle and humble,” is treating this woman like he is too good for her. It is uncomfortable. But Jesus’ silence serves at least two purposes. First, it reveals the great faith of this woman. But secondly, it reveals the attitude of Jesus’ disciples.

They ask Jesus to send this foreigner away. She is different from them, and now she is causing a scene. Send her away. She is making them uncomfortable.

Jesus challenges our own attitudes when we encounter someone who makes us uncomfortable. We say our church is welcoming, but how do we feel when someone different from us shows up? Someone who doesn’t look like us or live like us? We aren’t always as welcoming as we say.

But Jesus came for all people. He died for all sins, including all of ours. May Jesus give us a truly welcoming attitude toward all people.

Prayer:
Dear God, when your law reveals the sin in my heart, lead me to repentance. Amen.

Daily Devotions are brought to you by WELS and www.WhatAboutJesus.com.

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License.

All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.